Description

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets paired with a sweet and tangy Chick-fil-A Copycat Sauce. This recipe features tender chicken thigh pieces coated in a seasoned panko and parmesan crust, cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer for a healthier alternative to traditional frying. The homemade dipping sauce combines mayo, mustard, barbecue sauce, and honey to replicate the popular Chick-fil-A flavor, making it a perfect snack or meal for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Nuggets

1 pound chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces or use 2 chicken breasts
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs, crushed
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Olive oil spray

Chick-fil-A Copycat Sauce

¼ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon mustard
1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

Preheat and prep chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F while prepping the chicken. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to hold prepared chicken pieces.
Season chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs or breasts and cut into 1-inch pieces. Pat the pieces dry using paper towels, then sprinkle 1 teaspoon of kosher salt evenly over all sides for seasoning.
Prepare coating bowls: Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, beat the egg lightly with a fork. In a third shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, and the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
Coat chicken: Working a few pieces at a time, dip each chicken piece first into the flour, then into the beaten egg, and finally press into the seasoned panko mixture to adhere the coating well.
Air fry first batch: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer without touching. Spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray as well. Air fry at 400°F for 7 minutes, then shake the basket to turn the nuggets and cook an additional 1-3 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Cook remaining batches: While the first batch cooks, continue coating the remaining chicken and place on the lined baking sheet. After the first batch is done, cook subsequent batches similarly. To keep cooked nuggets warm, place them on a baking sheet with a cooling rack and keep warm in a 250°F oven until serving.
Make dipping sauce: Combine mayonnaise, mustard, barbecue sauce, and honey in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well mixed.
Serve: Plate the crispy chicken nuggets with the homemade Chick-fil-A copycat dipping sauce and enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier nuggets or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Ensure chicken pieces are dry before coating to help the breading stick better.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to promote even cooking and crispiness.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety.
The homemade dipping sauce can be adjusted for sweetness or tanginess by varying honey or mustard amounts.
Keep cooked nuggets warm in a low-temperature oven to maintain crispness before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Snack, Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: air fryer chicken nuggets, Chick-fil-A copycat sauce, crispy chicken nuggets, homemade chicken nuggets, air fryer recipe, kid-friendly snack